A carotid duplex test is a painless, noninvasive test used to see and measure the rate at which blood flows through your carotid arteries and look for possible blockages or narrowing of the artery. No radiation, dye or needles are used. The test may be performed in a vascular laboratory, a doctor’s office or a radiology department.

You may be given a carotid duplex test to determine whether plaque has accumulated in your arteries, causing carotid artery disease (narrowing or hardening of the arteries).

• Wearing your street clothes, you will be asked to lie on a stretcher.  
• Ultrasound gel, usually warmed for your comfort, will be placed on either side of your neck.  
• Through the gel, the technician will apply to your neck a small hand-held device that emits sound waves. 
• When the test is completed, the technician will remove excess gel from your neck. The gel is water-soluble and will not stain your skin or clothes.

This is a no-risk test.

• Eat and take medications as usual. 
• Wear minimal or no jewelry to ease application and removal of gel.

The technician will send the ultrasound images to your vascular surgeon for evaluation. Typically, a report is available in 2–3 days. If anything critical is found, it is standard practice at most labs to notify the vascular surgeon immediately.